The role of the priest in the biblical context is multifaceted, encompassing a range of responsibilities and privileges that are central to the religious life of Israel. The priesthood, established by God through the lineage of Aaron, the brother of Moses, is a vital institution in the Old Testament, serving as a bridge between God and His people.

Responsibilities:

1. Mediation and Sacrifice: One of the primary responsibilities of the priests was to act as mediators between God and the Israelites. They were tasked with offering sacrifices on behalf of the people to atone for sins and to maintain a right relationship with God. Leviticus 1-7 outlines various offerings, including burnt offerings, grain offerings, peace offerings, sin offerings, and guilt offerings, which the priests were to administer.

2. Teaching the Law: Priests were also responsible for teaching the Israelites the Law of God. As stated in Leviticus 10:11, "You must teach the Israelites all the statutes that the LORD has given them through Moses." This educational role was crucial in ensuring that the people understood and adhered to God's commandments.

3. Maintaining the Sanctuary: The priests were charged with the care and maintenance of the Tabernacle, and later the Temple. This included ensuring that the sacred space was kept holy and that all rituals were performed according to divine instructions. Numbers 18:5 emphasizes this duty: "You are to perform the service of the sanctuary and the service of the altar, so that wrath will not fall on the Israelites again."

4. Judicial Functions: Priests also served in a judicial capacity, helping to resolve disputes and interpret the Law. Deuteronomy 17:9-11 instructs the Israelites to consult the priests in difficult legal matters, underscoring their role as arbiters of justice.

5. Intercessory Prayer: Intercession was another key responsibility, as priests prayed on behalf of the people. This is exemplified in the Day of Atonement rituals, where the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the nation (Leviticus 16).

Privileges:

1. Divine Selection and Anointing: The priesthood was a divinely appointed office, with Aaron and his descendants chosen by God for this sacred duty (Exodus 28:1). This selection conferred a special status upon the priests, setting them apart for holy service.

2. Portion of Offerings: Priests were entitled to a portion of certain offerings brought by the people. Leviticus 7:31-34 details the portions of peace offerings that were to be given to the priests, providing for their sustenance as they served in the sanctuary.

3. Access to the Holy Places: Priests had unique access to the holy places within the Tabernacle and Temple. While the general population was restricted from entering these sacred areas, priests could perform their duties within the Holy Place, and the high priest alone could enter the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement (Hebrews 9:7).

4. Inheritance of the LORD: Unlike the other tribes of Israel, the Levites, from whom the priests came, did not receive a territorial inheritance. Instead, their inheritance was the LORD Himself, as stated in Numbers 18:20: "You will have no inheritance in their land, nor will you have any portion among them; I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites."

5. Blessing the People: Priests were given the privilege of blessing the people in the name of the LORD. The Aaronic Blessing, found in Numbers 6:24-26, is a well-known example of this priestly function: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace."

The priestly office, with its blend of responsibilities and privileges, was integral to the spiritual life of Israel, serving as a constant reminder of God's holiness and the need for mediation between a holy God and His people.